Kristina Vaher, LCMHCA, NCC
Pronouns: she/her
KRISTINA IS ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS BEGINNING IN JANUARY 2026!
Available consultation times coming soon!
Specialties Include:
Anxiety
Life Transitions
Chronic Illness
Medical Trauma
Nervous System Regulation
Parent/Child Relationship Issues
Grief and Loss
Trauma
Types of Therapy Used:
Kristina uses techniques from therapeutic modalities such as:
Child-Centered Play Therapy
Sand Tray Therapy
Art Interventions
Parent Coaching
Attachment-Based Interventions
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Insurances Accepted
Kristina is in the process of being credentialed with the following insurance companies:
BCBS (not including Blue Home, Blue Local, or Blue Value)
Aetna
Contact Information
admin@carolinacounselingandplaytherapy.com
Hi, I’m Kristina!
My Approach to Therapy
I have a particular interest in working with infants, children, adolescents, caregivers, and young adults. I employ a play-based and relational approach, aiming to create a safe and nurturing space where children feel secure enough to express themselves. I also partner closely with caregivers to support lasting change at home and beyond. I use therapeutic elements of Child Centered Play Therapy, sand tray therapy, and art-based interventions. Additionally, I utilize directive approaches when clients might need an additional therapeutic approach.
I have experience working with children and adolescents in both agency and schools, as well as in individual and group settings. I am passionate about working with those navigating grief and loss, anxiety, depression, behavioral challenges, trauma, children with chronic illnesses, and those going through life transitions. I am LGBTQIA+ affirming.
When working with adolescents and adults, I use elements from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy (PCT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). When appropriate, I also use elements of somatic and mindfulness activities.
I am honored to walk alongside children, adolescents, and young adults on their journey and excited to offer a space where every part of them is welcome. I believe that healing begins when a person feels truly seen, accepted, and supported just as they are. I look forward to the opportunity to walk alongside you on your journey!
In my spare time, I enjoy baking, reading a good thriller, doing yoga, and spending time outside in nature.
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA #A21890)
National Certified Counselor (NCC #1741198)
I am currently pursuing the Registered Play Therapist™ (RPT™) credential and am under the supervision of Emily Cannon, LCSW, RPT-S
More About Kristina
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Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA) in the state of North Carolina - 2025
Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) - 2025
Actively pursuing Registered Play Therapist™ (RPT™) - currently under supervision of Emily Cannon, LCSW, RPT-S
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The University of North Carolina at Charlotte
M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Certificate in Play Therapy - 2025
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
B.S. Psychology - 2023
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Awards:
Congressional Award Gold Medal - 2019
800 hours logged across four program areas: voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness, and expedition/exploration
Memberships:
National Board for Certified Counselors
Chi Sigma Iota, Mu Tau Beta Chapter (University of North Carolina at Charlotte)
Psi Chi National Honor Society in Psychology (The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)
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Vaher, K. (April 2022) Social Anxiety in the Academic Environment: A Quasi-Experiment in Social Psychology. Poster presented in Social Psychology Class, UNC Chapel Hill, NC, United States.
Vaher, K. (December 2022) Perceived Teacher Support as a Predictor of Perception of Safety, Moderated by Race & Gender. Oral presentation presented at Research Technical Institute, Raleigh, NC, United States.